The first race in the Cascadia Dirt Cup Enduro Series went off this past weekend, a thrilling competition held along the rowdy yet fantastic terrain surrounding Yacolt, WA. From dry and fast buffed sections to exciting, chunky rock moves, the race delivered from Stage One to the final yards before the finish. Post-race chatter in the pits was nothing but positive, saying both the course and the dynamics of the competition were stellar. Yacolt Burn provided a perfect mix for the race, challenging riders in all disciplines of the sport. As Freehub team member Steve Dempsey put it, it was “an extra burly enduro that was downhill tire worthy (of which he did not have), truly a test for all riders—like riding down a malleable river of dried coconuts.”
In traditional endure style, competitors were responsible for getting to their designated start time before dropping into the timed downhill stages of the race. There was no fancy timing systems; it was truly a community event, with scores being recorded by pen and paper and delivered promptly by abundant staff members and volunteers. “The entire event was well-organized,” says Steve, “from the timely shuttles to the well-marked course that didn’t leave much room for high speed guessing games”. Event promoter James Whiteside went the extra mile and prepped his staff and the venue beforehand with extra chain lube, food, Clif products and water at the top of the transfer stages, which helped to keep the competitors lively and coherent in the summer heat.
The Cascadia Dirt Cup is unique in how it operates, with the money earned from the events going directly back into the trail systems they hold the races on (Cold Creek Mountain Bikers)—a refreshing thought, knowing that the entirety none of the proceeds go into the pockets of a big corporation. Rather it helps build local riding communities that share the scrumptious trails, passionate war stories and a full day of pedaling and racing.
“The whole underlying vibe was to have a great time with your friends and shred as hard as possible” says Steve. “Good fun on a groomed fantasy track, all while catching views of Mt. St Helens—what’s not to love?”
Thanks to Bob Heimbuch for the great photos from the race. Check out the results and gallery below, and stay tuned for more on the Cascadia Dirt Cup at FreehubMag.com.
Check out the official results here: Yacolt Burn Results
